Science Dictionary for Kids

Book Name: Science Dictionary for Kids: The Essential Guide to Science Terms, Concepts, and Strategies
Author: Westphal, Laurie E
Publisher: Prufrock Press Inc.
ISBN-10, 13: Prufrock Press Inc.,9781593634605
Year: 2009
Pages: 144 pages
Language: English
File size: 8 MB
File format: PDF,EPUB

Science Dictionary for Kids: The Essential Guide to Science Terms, Concepts, and Strategies Pdf Book Description:

As Carl Sagan stated, the study of science is much more than just facts and knowledge; yet without the specialized vocabulary that accompanies the scientific concepts and processes, a person will find himself at a disadvantage as he strives to express himself scientifically. That is where Science Dictionary for Kids comes to the rescue. This dictionary is much more than a list of words with dictionary definitions, although it does contain science words and, yes, definitions. The vocabulary used in science is vast; many of the words resemble commonly used words, however, their scientific usage may be very different. There also are many science words that are new and difficult for students to remember. These are the words that will be found in this dictionary, those new and seemingly difficult words or those that have significantly different definitions than common language. In addition to definitions of these specially chosen words written in everyday language (rather than dictionary language), readers also will find common examples and drawings for many of the words in order to create better understanding. This book does not stop at vocabulary words commonly included in science dictionaries. Instead, it addresses other information that would be helpful to students on their way to becoming scientific thinkers.

Readers also will find diagrams and graphics of the different cycles studied in the science classroom. The diagrams have the content presented in a basic way. It is not intended to replace instruction, rather to serve as an introduction or reminder of what was previously studied. It is meant to be user friendly, so if parents would like to have their children work ahead, or teachers would like their students to have a basic understanding of the content, these drawings will accomplish that. How many times do students read a definition or make a drawing before it is introduced and not understand what they have just drawn? There also is a reference guide devoted to commonly used formulas and units used in science. Science is filled with standard units (e.g., kilograms and meters) and derived units (e.g., Newtons, which is a kilogram • meter, and a Joule, which equals a Newton • meter) could it get any more confusing? Students can get more wrapped up in the units than the content when they do not remember with what each unit is associated. And, what about the multitude of formulas that exist in science? Students often have a formula sheet, but they have to manipulate or change the formulas in order to finish the problem.

In this book’s guide, students will be able to locate the target word, read its brief definition, and review the formula for its calculation (including units.) In order to assist readers in moving beyond the “body of knowledge,” this book contains many resources to help them be successful with their experiments in the laboratory. Although time often is taken to explain the proper names and uses for all of the scientific equipment at the beginning of the school year, by March students might have forgotten about the dangers of turning the eyedropper upside down to move liquids or have regressed to calling beakers “those cup things” again! This book has an entire section devoted to the equipment and glassware that students may work with in the science classroom, including a definition, but more importantly, a drawing (for easy identification) and if appropriate, specific directions for the equipment’s use such as how to transport liquid in an eyedropper without blowing air into the liquid and turning it upside down. What a time saver to not have to review all of the equipment the day of the experiment. It also is very effective to have students review the equipment on their own before it is used so if a review is needed, it is a very quick one on the day of the lab.